Baden-Württemberg Ponders New Nine-Year Grammar School Model
The Green-Black government coalition in Baden-Württemberg's southwest region is mulling over a fresh approach to the nine-year grammar school. This move came after a resolution, approved on Tuesday, made waves in the German press agency based in Stuttgart. The Baden-Württemberg state government has signaled its readiness to explore this new concept, initiating a process to design a new G8/G9 model.
Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) reaffirmed their commitment, stating, "We won't make hasty decisions or simply revert to the 1990s' G9. We'll strive for a solution that suits our era and adheres to citizens' forum suggestions."
In mid-June, a citizens' forum, backed by the state government, recommended reviving the nine-year grammar school in Baden-Württemberg. The eight-year grammar school, now the standard, was introduced in the 1990s with an international competitiveness goal. However, the G9, also a nine-year grammar school, existed only as a pilot project in select state schools and private institutions.
A movement advocating for the return of G9 has been brewing for some time, and the Green-Black coalition had agreed, in their coalition agreement, to avoid debating structural changes. Yet, under mounting pressure, the Baden-Württemberg government displayed openness towards reinstating the nine-year grammar school.
The citizens' forum isn't the only entity pushing for this change. A parents' initiative has also gathered steam for years, collecting over 100,000 signatures for a popular petition, set to be presented at the state parliament next year.
Additional Insights:
- In Germany, children attend compulsory general education from age six, with duration varying by state, typically lasting nine years.
- Secondary education includes Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium, the latter preparing students for university education and resulting in an Abitur upon completion.
- Baden-Württemberg companies are involved in dual study programs, a combination of firm-based training and school-based education for vocational advancement.
- Germany has been working on educational reforms, focusing on essential skills and vocational training to prepare students for diverse career paths.
-Source:
As the Green-Black coalition ponders the pros and cons of this new chapter in Baden-Württemberg's education system, the debate surrounding the role of nine-year grammar schools in fostering international competitiveness and holistic education continues to gather steam.
